Saturday, July 8, 2017

Pennies From Heaven

Who doesn't have fond memories of strolling along the boardwalk as a
child? If you were deprived of that
wonderful experience, I can tell you it was a place full of magic, excitement, sweet
delicacies and adventure. If not, then
you know what I mean. One of the most
enjoyable sections was the arcade, where skee ball and air rifles tested your
skill. Thomas Cummings, who makes
wonderful puzzle boxes from his home workshop in Georgia, recalls the boardwalk
fondly – especially the old ‘penny arcade’ games of his youth. His “Eden Workx” puzzle boxes are like little
arcade games as well, each requiring a different sort of puzzle to be solved
before allowing the box to be opened.
Cummings also likes a bit of misdirection and foul play, which is all
fair in my book.

Penny Arcade by Thomas Cummings

His “Penny Arcade”
continues his series with a nod to the nostalgia of the vintage boardwalk games
he recalls. The box is unique in that it
features a small see-through window on top, with a dial visible through the
window. The dial and surrounding knob have
odd notations, numbers and symbols all around them, which don’t immediately
appear to make any coherent sense. Hmmm – cryptic clues, a viewport and a test
of skill and wits? Take my penny, I'd like to play! And the fun begins. Cummings has channeled his fond penny arcade
memories into another great box which will test your cunning with a smile. If you’re lucky, it might even read your
fortune!

Step right up, turn the dial, and test your skill

To toast this nostalgic number we will reference another
boardwalk favorite, the carousel. Last
seen whirling its way around Kelly Snache’s Carousel Box, the Carousel Bar in
the Hotel Monteleone is famous for the Vieux Carre, an old New Orleans
classic. This update to that old classic
swaps the cognac for pear brandy and the Drambuie for apricot jam. Adding preserves to cocktails is a wonderful
way to bring new flavors and textures to the drink, and no one does it better
than star mixologist Jeff Morgenthaler at Clyde Common in Portland Oregon. His “Copper Penny” ode to the Vieux Carre
hits all the right targets and wins the prize.
Here’s to old times, new times, and fond memories both old and new. Cheers!

Copper Penny by Jeffrey Morgenthaler

Copper Penny by Jeff Morgenthaler

¾ oz. rye whiskey

¾ oz. pear brandy, preferably Clear Creek

¾ oz. sweet vermouth, preferably Punt e Mes

1 ½ tsp. apricot preserves

¼ tsp. Angostura bitters

Shake ingredients together well with ice and strain into a
favorite glass. Lemon peel garnish. Take aim and set your sights on sipping.